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WHY I WRITE BY WOLI BUKOLA KAFILAH

3/3/2019

5 Comments

 
There is beauty in the universe that man has blown over, beauty blinded by the constant pain life throws at his heels, so I write with the hope that a heart other than mine finds solace in the purity that nature offers.
Writing was no childhood dream, In fact I did everything in my power to avoid writing. In as much as I loved to read stories, I found writing a tedious chore with a constant fear of nobody showing interest in my work. I read whatever tale others wrote and had to tell, while hiding mine in the corners of my heart.
 
As a child, I was attached to nature in ways our people may see as extreme or funny. On days when I found a chore unbearable or had just gotten the beating of my life, I would sit on the concrete, absorbing the songs of birds; hoping they could give me the peace I needed and they never disappoint.
 
My bedrock has always been wildly imaginative and I often get lost in my thoughts and fantasies, so much that I enjoy solitude. In my imaginations, I live many lives that I lose count. I never think to share my fantasies or realities, out of the fear of other people’s perceptions.

Life happened, while mending my broken heart from failed relationships I proceeded to the university with added concerns of how to make good grades and overcome the fear of becoming a nobody. My emotions were tangled like vines to trees and I knew one day, if not taken care of, my thoughts and fears would consume me.
 
Although I never consciously searched for an outlet, I could say that an outlet found me on a school outing I had no flare for. With my feet buried deep into the sands of Araromi seaside and a heart awed by the briny deep that soothed my tired eyes, poetry danced at my fingertips with a rhythm so strong, I knew I had to immortalize it. That day and moment changed everything that my jungled mind couldn't sort out. I found clarity in the smell of the sea and swaying palm trees; nature, which truly never disappoints.
 
So I write, for every life that sings, thorn that pricks me, smile that makes me dance a million steps, demon the lurks in darkness waiting to consume me and for all that begins a journey which I am forever happy I took.
Picture
Click Here to Read Woli's Biography
5 Comments
Ayodele Olaitan link
11/3/2019 01:28:13 pm

This is so relateable to me, i think every poet/writer journey begins at some point. Mine began in school while my lecturer taught us calculus and till this point, anyday i don't write feels like death to my soul and i write because i want my words to be the flame that leads someone out of the dark tunnel life has placed him or her. It doesn't matter the country, the nationality, the geographical location as long as it touches him/her and makes them a better person. This is an interesting read that offers people a peek into a writers mind. Beautiful!

Reply
Omugbe Prisca link
11/3/2019 01:36:46 pm

Am glad you finally found clearity woli. Your uNexpressed attraction to nature and imaginations are now being expressed. So glad you got off the notion of other people’s perceptions.

Reply
Grace Agu
11/3/2019 03:09:50 pm

This poem relates to me very well. I'm scared of critucs on my work. So I tend to hide them, bottle up feelings and only pour them out in my books which is always safely hidden. But I'm going to follow in your steps

Reply
Raymond Bamidele Oluwalola
12/3/2019 03:24:29 pm

This piece offers a lot of insight and clear a pathway for muttered words to finally find expression and this is very relatable because of the background I am from. In fact, I feel like you were sharing my experiences and that you journeyed with me in all those years.

Reply
Ceejay
12/3/2019 07:06:48 pm

Once again, I want to mention something I have always said and guess I have already said in one of the comments above, "you can't be a good reader and end up a bad writer", its not possible.
Writing found you in your occational solitary state.
Kudos Bukola.

Reply



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  • Publications
    • Anthologies >
      • ETB Anthology
      • AEAnthology
      • WAD Anthology
      • CBS Anthology
      • 2020 Why I Write
      • 2019 Why I Write
    • Interviews
    • Book Reviews
  • Submit
    • Submit to Us
    • Nigerian Writers Database
  • Fellowship
    • Writing Fellowship
    • Advancement Fellowship
  • Contests
    • Monthly Bookstore Gift-card
    • Annual Poetry Contest
    • SWAP >
      • SWAP 2022 Winners
      • SWAP 2021 Winner
      • SWAP 2020 Winner
  • SprinNG Lit
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